CLEVELAND — Was the money real or was it counterfeit?
That is the question Louisiana State University compliance officers must figure out in regard to Cleveland Browns wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. handing out cash to multiple Tigers players following their 42-25 victory over Clemson in the College Football Playoff National Championship Game at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome in New Orleans Monday night.
While school officials claimed the money was fake, LSU quarterback Joe Burrow did not see it that way.
“I’m not a student-athlete anymore, so I can say yeah,” Burrow said when asked if the money was real in an appearance on Barstool Sports’ “Pardon My Take” podcast.
RELATED | Watch: Odell Beckham Jr. hands cash to LSU player as he revels in National Championship win
According to the Baton Rouge Advocate, school officials initially said the money was counterfeit, but by Tuesday, they stated “the university is looking into the matter.”
Beckham is a very proud LSU alum, and following the Tigers’ victory over Clemson, he could not contain or hold back on his excitement.
Beckham celebrated on the field with players and staff members, and then, joined the team in the locker room, where he was seen dancing and jumping around as the Tigers reveled in their winning the school’s fourth National Championship.
Overjoyed with the LSU victory, Beckham was seen giving a handful of cash to wide receiver Justin Jefferson after the junior wide receiver caught nine passes for 106 yards in the victory, and it was not George Washington’s picture on those bills.
Beckham handed Jefferson a handful of $100 bills as the LSU junior said, “Let me see it. Let me see it.”
The LSU released a statement Wednesday afternoon saying they were "aware of the situation" and "are working with our student-athletes, the NCAA and the SEC in order to rectify the situation."
Monday’s displays were the latest shows of support from Beckham, who has never forgotten where he came from.
Ahead of Monday’s National Championship Game, LSU players received new Beats headphones and a personal message from the Pro Bowl wide receiver.
“This is your opportunity to leave behind a legacy and write yourself into the history books, not just as the undefeated national champions, but as legends,” Beckham wrote to the LSU players. “You’re here for a reason. Now, make it count.
“Best of luck, men! #GeauxTigers.”